Why Gather?

This Saturday evening, August 5, there will be a Peace Gathering at Stephens Lake Park marking the 72^nd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (details below). Here are some reasons we hope you might decide to attend:

·        Because we empower ourselves when we come together. When we gather we build community and strengthen our shared resolve to address challenges including war, militarism, climate change, injustice, the entire misguided Trump Agenda and more.

·        Because there are still thousands of nuclear warheads threatening the future of humanity.

·        Because our nation is a highly militarized behemoth engaged in military action in many nations around the world, and, due to the fact that relatively few Americans are dying, the media and our fellow citizens are paying scant attention to the Permanent War.

·        Because the trillions of dollars squandered on war and militarism are not being invested or spent where they could and should be; to enhance our quality of life, invest in our people/education, revamp our aging infrastructure, clean up the environment, address the climate crisis and more.

·        Because we cannot afford to allow ourselves to become numb to the fact that hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians were slaughtered in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August of 1945. Mass incineration of human beings, like the Holocaust, must never be forgotten. And in response to this horror we must reply, “Never Again!” and take action to prevent nuclear war.

·        Because the weapons used in Japan in 1945, as horrific as they were, are diminutive compared to those that could be used today, nuclear war truly represents an existential threat that must be addressed.

·        Because Donald Trump is calling for major increases in military spending, in general, and nuclear weapons spending, in particular; because he has said he would welcome a new arms race; because he does not seem to understand just how dangerous and destructive nuclear weapons are; and because his temperament and mental state do not seem compatible with the responsibility of averting nuclear war.

·        Because it feels good to break bread with others. Because it is good to share their company. Because the music to be shared will be uplifting. Because the lanterns we will make and float will inspire us.

For all these reasons and more we will gather as a community committed to peace and justice this Saturday evening. We invite you to join us.

Here are the details from our Facebook event:

Join us at the Gordon Shelter of Stephens Lake Park beginning at 6 p.m. for an evening of solidarity including a potluck dinner, music, lantern-making, speakers and the annual lantern float.

During the event, you will have the opportunity to create your own lantern. We provide the supplies and show you how. All you need is a wish for peace that you would like to send out at the evening lantern float. The float is a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives in Hiroshima & Nagasaki, as well as our heart-felt wish for a peaceful future.

The event starts at 6. We potluck ~6:30. Lantern making and music follow. The formal program starts at 8 and we float the lanterns at 9. Speakers include Andrew Hutchinson and Mark Haim. Poetry will be performed by T'Keyah Thomas. Music will be provided by Robin Anderson and Marissa Wood and Friends.